Arturia SQ80 V Software Synthesizer Download

SQ80 V is Ensoniq’s classic ‘80s crosswave synth reborn, weaving hybrid lo-fi character, complex industrial textures, and thousands of unique waveform combinations into a quick-fire softsynth enhanced for modern production. Digital synthesis unraveled. Created by the same engineers responsible for the Commodore 64 - considered the best-selling computer of all time - Ensoniq’s SQ80 was up against stiff competition. At the time of its release, the digitization of hardware synthesizers was well under way - but it went on to become a cult classic.

Here was a digital synthesizer that offered a degree of warmth and character usually reserved for its analog peers; flexible voice and modulation controls that didn’t require 10,000 hours of practice to program; a workhorse keyboard that produced an unprecedented array of timbres to suit any style, without the stellar price tag of similarly capable instruments. After finding success with the Commodore 64 computer, former MOS Technology engineers Robert Yannes, Bill Mauchly, Bruce Crockett, David Ziembicki, Al Charpentier, and Charles Winterble spent several years on projects that ultimately didn’t materialise. The best selling computer of all time was a tough act to follow. Explore a detailed software resurrection of a digital anti-hero that’s out to break the rules.

Capture the grit, character, and charming imperfection favored by John Carpenter, Adamski, Mr Bungle, and countless others with an instrument that’s simultaneously complex and accessible, focused and intricate, edgy and dream-like - and unlike anything you’ve heard before.

The digital edge
SQ80 V’s perfectly-modeled 8-bit 5503 DOC chip delivers digital sounds that are uniquely full of organic character, ranging from silky smooth to razor sharp - all ready to customize & play in seconds.

Analog character
Digital oscillators collide with an emulated analog filter and output circuit for sinewaves that growl, harmonics that sizzle, and warm lo-fi timbres that are perfectly imperfect.

Waveforms evolved
Explore thousands of possible combinations of waves, instrument-style transients, hidden waveforms, and VFX transwaves for sound design potential that surpasses the original hardware.

Digital made easy
Digital synths have long been notoriously tricky to program, both hardware and software. SQ80 V bucks the trend with an immersive digital architecture that can be tweaked instantly, hassle-free.

The arpeggiator
Introducing an arpeggiator to SQ80 V’s curious sound equips it for easy performance and melody creation. A classic component with the familiar controls, including arp direction, sync, octave range, and hold. Just turn it on and enjoy free-flowing lo-fi sounds that fit right into your mix.

Unison
SQ80 V offers up to 16-voice polyphony - twice that of the original hardware instrument - but we couldn’t resist adding an 8-voice unison option. Stack up those oscillators for enormous basses, gritty percussion, and ultra-dense lead sounds.

Dispersion
When it comes to classic synths and keyboards, the true charm often lies in the details. We went a step further than emulating the SQ80’s sound and interface by introducing dispersion - meaning subtle variations and inconsistencies in the behavior of its emulated circuitry. No two notes will ever be exactly the same, bringing a truly unmatched organic sound.

Envelopes expanded
To further shape the attack, duration, and evolution of your sounds, we upgraded SQ80 V with 2 additional envelope modes: DADSR and MSEG. The former adds a delay stage to the traditional ADSR for staggered strikes and interesting rhythmic patterns. The latter is a fully-customizable looping function generator for painting envelopes your own way.

The Mod Mixer
Combine any 2 modulation sources, from envelopes to keyboard controls, to distort, mangle, and refract your patches in interesting and unexpected ways. With 6 different modes of modulation mixing, the combination possibilities are enormous - as are the potential sonic results.

MPE compatibility
SQ80 V supports MPE-compatible controllers for an advanced expressivity experience. Create dynamic performance patches and textures that can respond in numerous ways to a single keystroke.

Features:

• 3 digital oscillators based on the original DOC chip
• Over 400 waveforms across 4 unique banks
• Amplitude Modulation and Hard Sync
• 4 analog DCAs; 1 for each oscillator, 1 master output
• Analog resonant low-pass filter based on the original CEM chip
• 4 polyphonic envelope generators with 3 modes; SQ80, DADSR, MSEG
• 3 LFOs with 6 waveforms
• 8 MIDI sources
• Modulation mixer for combining 2 modulation sources
• Built-in 7-mode arpeggiator
• Up to 16-voice polyphony with Unison mode
• 4 FX slots across 2 busses, configurable in series or parallel
• 15 master effect types
• Advanced Brightness, Timbre, Time and Movement macro controls
• 200+ factory presets, including 40 from the original SQ-80 instrument
• MPE compatibility

Windows
Win 8.1+ (64bit)
4 GB RAM
2.5 GHz CPU
2GB free hard disk space
OpenGL 2.0 compatible GPU

Required configuration
Works in Standalone, VST, AAX, Audio Unit, NKS (64-bit DAWs only).

Apple
Mac OS 10.13+
4 GB RAM
2.5 GHz CPU
2GB free hard disk space
OpenGL 2.0 compatible GPU